Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Why does the baby cry? Poem

Reality

Why does the baby cry? (Dressed in his brand-new, powder blue, flame-retardant pajamas) Why does the baby cry? (Freshly laundered, recently fed, newly changed, just burped, and provided with a night-light) Why does the baby cry? (In his safety-sealed crib All smoke detectors in working order Temperature medically adjusted by thermostat Baby monitor on Emergency numbers in the speed-dial Loving parents at the ready) Why, oh WHY does the baby cry?

The baby cries In the jungle or on the savannah The baby cries As the marauding beasts edge forward The baby cries For protection The baby cries To signal his tribe The baby cries (Hearing no heartbeat Touching no warm skin Mouthing no soft breast Breathing no shared breath) The baby cries Alone in the wilderness

By Elsa Haas

Elsa Haas won the opportunity to perform the show "Wearing My Baby: A Stone Age Mommy on Staten Island" and a $1000 grant for this poem and others that she submitted to a local literary competition. The baby- and child-friendly show will be held at the St. George Theater on Staten Island on June 14. For information, you can email Elsa at ElsaHaas@si.rr.com.